Nanoparticle conversion to biofilms: In vitro demonstration using serum-derived mineralo-organic nanoparticles

Tsui Yin Wong, Hsin Hsin Peng, Cheng Yeu Wu, Jan Martel, David M. Ojcius, Fu Yung Hsu, John D. Young*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Aims: Mineralo-organic nanoparticles (NPs) detected in biological fluids have been described as precursors of physiological and pathological calcifications in the body. Our main objective was to examine the early stages of mineral NP formation in body fluids. Materials & methods: A nanomaterial approach based on atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy and spectroscopy was used. Results: The mineral particles, which contain the serum proteins albumin and fetuin-A, initially precipitate in the form of round amorphous NPs that gradually grow in size, aggregate and coalesce to form crystalline mineral films similar to the structures observed in calcified human arteries. Conclusion: Our study reveals the early stages of particle formation and provides a platform to analyze the role(s) of mineralo-organic NPs in human tissues.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3519-3535
Number of pages17
JournalNanomedicine
Volume10
Issue number24
DOIs
StatePublished - 12 2015

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 John D Young.

Keywords

  • biological fluids
  • biomineralization
  • calcium granules
  • carbonate apatite
  • ectopic calcification
  • mineral biofilms
  • mineral particles
  • mineralo-organic interface

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